10-Week Women’s Self-Defense Course

Train Smart. Feel Safe. Move with Confidence.


No experience? No problem.


Our 10-week Women’s Self-Defense Course is specifically designed for the threats women are most likely to face—abduction, hair grabbing, ground attacks, and sexual assault. Using the principles of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we focus on what to do when a fight ends up on the ground, where women are most at risk—and most powerful when properly trained.



You’ll train once a week in a supportive, women-only group, receive access to a private digital course, and stay inspired with weekly emails from Coach Mark.

Coach Mark's Jiu Jitsu lineage.

Unlock Your Potential

What’s Included in the Course

2 women in half guard during the 10 week women's self defense course.

One In-Person Class Per Week

Every Friday evening, you’ll step onto the mat with a small group of women for focused, trauma-informed training. Classes are 90 minutes long and taught by Coach Mark, who has over 20 years of experience—and a deeply personal reason for teaching this work.



You’ll learn how to escape hair grabs, defend against ground attacks, and use leverage—not strength—to stay safe. Group size is limited to 6–8 students to ensure real-time feedback, personal coaching, and a safe, respectful environment where you’ll never feel lost or overwhelmed.

A women trying to escape an armbar from her female teammate.

Full Access to Our Digital Course

Alongside in-person training, you’ll get 24/7 access to our private online course. This library mirrors the techniques taught in class, so you can review what you’ve learned and train on your own time—at your pace.



Every video is taught by Coach Mark and broken down step-by-step. Whether you're a visual learner, miss a class, or want extra reps at home, the digital course helps you lock in your skills and build confidence fast.

Coach Mark smiling at a jiu jitsu tournament in Stockton, CA.

Weekly Email from Coach Mark

Each week, you’ll receive a message from Coach Mark that goes beyond just techniques. These emails share stories, philosophy, and insights from a lifetime in martial arts—with a special focus on women’s safety, cultural perspectives, and personal empowerment.


Expect content that covers:


  • How jiu jitsu works in real life
  • What to do when you're smaller or physically outmatched
  • Coach Mark’s own stories from intervening in abuse and violence
  • Lessons from jiu jitsu history, culture, and mindset
The logo for growth mindset collective shows a rose with a brain in the middle.

Most attacks on women involve being taken to the ground by a stronger, larger attacker. Jiu jitsu is the only martial art that starts from the assumption that you’ve already been taken down—and teaches you how to win from there.


With a strong guard (your legs wrapped around an attacker), you can use your hips and leverage to break limbs, apply chokes, and control someone twice your size. You don’t need knockout power—you need technique, positioning, and a plan.



Jiu jitsu allows women to use their greatest advantage: intelligence, awareness, and strategic movement.

Why Jiu Jitsu Is the Best Martial Art for Women

Training Schedule

Women’s Self-Defense meets once per week:


Fridays at 6:00 PM


Visit our Training Schedule for updates and availability.


We’re committed to protecting families—not just individuals.

Women receive 50% off this course if:


  • Their child is currently enrolled in any GMC-jiu jitsu kids program
  • Their partner is actively training in any adult GMC-jiu jitsu membership

This course is meant to be accessible, empowering, and family-aligned.

Special Pricing for Moms & Wives

Meet Your Instructor

Coach Mark Miller is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with over two decades of experience. His approach is calm, clear, and deeply rooted in purpose.


Mark has personally intervened in real-world violent situations, stepping in to protect women from domestic abuse and street attacks. He also has close family members who have experienced sexual violence—which is why he teaches this course not just as a coach, but as a man with a mission.


“This course isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. I teach this because I’ve seen the difference jiu jitsu makes when it matters most."

Student Perspective

Coach Mark is an exceptional BJJ teacher and mentor. His coaching style is both patient and thoughtful; he tailors his approach to meet the unique needs of each student. His clear, concise instructions made it easy for me to execute moves after just one demonstration, and he was always willing to answer my numerous questions—whether about improving my technique for competition or finding ways to enhance my overall practice. Beyond BJJ, Mark has offered invaluable life advice, embodying what it truly means to be a coach. I’ve recommended Mark to others in the past, and I’m delighted to do so again.

Ariel Castro

A woman in a white bjj uniform is holding her hands together.

How It Works

01

Join the Course

Register anytime. The curriculum loops every 10 weeks, so you can jump in right away.

02

Train Weekly

Attend Friday night classes and use your digital course to review between sessions.

03

Stay Inspired

Get weekly emails from Coach Mark to deepen your mindset and motivation.

04

Choose Your Next Step

Repeat the course or transition into adult co-ed classes.

FAQs: Women’s Self-Defense

At Growth Mindset Collective – Jiu Jitsu, we understand that choosing the right class can be a big decision. Here, we address some common questions about our training methods, class types, and enrollment process to help you make an informed choice.
  • Can I join mid-course?

    Yes! The curriculum runs in a continuous 10-week loop, so you can jump in at any time and complete the full cycle at your own pace. There’s no “wrong week” to start.

  • What happens after the 10 weeks?

    You can repeat the course or transition into our ongoing adult membership program for continued training.

  • Do I get to keep the digital course?

     Yes—as long as you’re an active member, you’ll have full access to the online instructional platform.

  • Is this class only for women?

    Yes. This course is designed exclusively for women, taught in a small-group setting that prioritizes privacy, respect, and emotional safety. Our goal is to create a space where women feel comfortable asking questions and exploring techniques together.

  • Do I need to be in shape or have experience?

    Not at all. This course is designed for everyday women of all fitness levels. You don’t need experience in martial arts or athletics—we’ll guide you step-by-step and help you build skill, strength, and confidence at your own pace.

  • What should I wear to class?

    Wear comfortable, fitted athletic clothes like leggings and a rash guard or snug t-shirt. Please avoid anything with zippers, buttons, or metal. We train barefoot, so bring sandals or slides for off-mat use.

  • Is there a discount for moms or partners of students?

    Yes—mothers of currently enrolled youth students and wives of adult students receive 50% off. It’s our way of making this vital training more accessible to families already part of our community.

  • Can I repeat the course?

    Yes! Many women repeat the 10-week course to deepen their skills and build confidence before transitioning into regular co-ed jiu jitsu classes. You’re welcome to stay in this course as long as it serves your growth.

  • What’s included in the course?

    Your enrollment includes:


        One 90-minute women-only class each week (Fridays at 6:00 PM)


        Full access to our private digital course (video library)


        Weekly email from Coach Mark with stories, insights, and mindset lessons

  • Will we be practicing on the ground?

    Yes, but not exclusively. Around 95% of the course focuses on ground-based grappling techniques. However, we also train stand-up skills such as takedown defense, clinching, and awareness. You’ll learn how to protect yourself in all phases of a potential attack.

Begin Your Jiu Jitsu Journey Today

Try a Class for Free


Train with purpose. Grow with support.
Take the first step toward confidence and control.




This Course Is For You If...

  • You’ve felt unsafe or unsure of what you’d do in an emergency
  • You want to feel stronger, calmer, and more prepared
  • You prefer learning in a women-only setting with real structure
  • You believe in training for the life you’re actually living—not a Hollywood fantasy
  • You’re ready to reclaim power in your body and your life